Tiger Caught Safely After Escape From Sanctuary

The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 21, 2008

WEST PALM BEACH - A Bengal tiger that escaped from its cage at a sanctuary was tranquilized and captured Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The adult tiger was last seen by caretakers at McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary about 11 p.m. Tuesday, said Gabriella Ferraro, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Authorities had warned residents in the area Wednesday morning to remain indoors while they searched for the cat. Three schools also were put on lockdown.

Ferraro said the tiger was captured about 11 a.m. Wednesday on the sanctuary grounds. It was tranquilized and put back in its cage.

A lion also escaped its cage at the sanctuary sometime overnight but was quickly captured, authorities said.

A person who answered the telephone Wednesday at the sanctuary said they wouldn't talk and hung up.

The facility is located about 20 miles northwest of West Palm Beach. It houses about 90 animals, including one lion, six tigers, five cougars and five leopards.